How to Support Someone With an Eating Disorder

[Listen to an audio version of this blog HERE.]

The other day, a friend told me I’m an eating disorder “subject matter expert” and I laughed. Anecdotally, I have experience living with an eating disorder and going through treatment. I’ve talked to lots of doctors and psychologists and dietitians. I’ve talked with lots of other men and women who have suffered. I’ve researched eating disorders extensively in an attempt to figure out my own brain.

One of the most common questions I receive through this blog is how to help someone who might be suffering. People want to know how they can help, or if it’s even possible to support someone who struggles with any form of disordered eating. Food is incredibly personal, and it can be tricky to talk about food or eating without triggering negative emotions in anyone, much less someone with an eating disorder. It’s also not possible to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. Numerous friends and teammates came to me to see if I was okay prior to me actively seeking treatment. None of their outreach spurred me to seek help though. Keep in mind that people are inherently unchangeable.

First, I need to say that eating disorders look different on everyone and they aren’t always visible. Some people look emaciated, some may appear to be overweight, and some may appear to be…